The West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is one of the key polar scientific puzzles for projecting the consequences of climate change. WAIS holds a potential 11-20 feet (3.3-6 meters) of global sea level rise and is inherently unstable because it is grounded on rock that lies well below sea level.
With just one month to the Antarctic winter solstice, the South Pole is shrouded in darkness and temperatures have plummeted below -100F (-73C). And with the extreme conditions come spectacular displays of Aurora Australis, Yukimarimos, and 300 Club activities.
Name: Seth Timpano Role: Travel Safety Manager 1st ALE Season: 2010 Nationality: USA Why did you want to work in the Antarctic? What was the attraction? Antarctica is one of the most extreme and remote places on the planet. It has endless potential for adventure and a unique beauty that is unsurpassed. It always has, and [...]
Punta Arenas, Chile, Gateway to Antarctica, will be front and center when IAATO members meet there on April 22-24. The meeting will focus on protecting the Antarctic environment, with opportunities for delegates to learn more about tourism and science in Chilean Antarctica. ALE Co-Hosts Opening ‘Icebreaker’ As a founder member of the International Association of [...]
It’s midnight and the Latvian Bakery is open at ALE’s Union Glacier Camp. The Antarctic sun is high in the southern sky and the smell of fresh baking wafts through the air. When the Chefs finish their work at 9pm, we two Latvian girls sneak into the kitchen with a sense of guilty pleasure. We [...]
Ralf Laier’s thirst for making first ascents in the Ellsworth Mountains is undiminished! In 2011, Laier made 10 first ascents with his ALE guides. In 2012 he returned for more… Laier, an ALE guest, continued his 2011 quest for adventure by making the first ascents of Mount Allen (3430m), Mount Liptak (3052m) and Robinson Peak (2040m) in 2012. [...]
U.S. scientists have successfully drilled into Lake Whillans, a subglacial expanse of water hidden deep beneath the Antarctic ice sheet.
It seemed a bit radical. Two young West Australians, with a fear of heights and flying, and no mountaineering or cold weather experience, embarking on a four-week adventure to climb Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. We left one of the hottest, flattest continents, bound for the coldest and highest one, with the words [...]
A final airdrop was made over Belgrano II station in Antarctica on February 15, successfully completing the annual re-supply. Nine flights were made over a two week period, delivering roughly 166 tonnes of cargo.
ALE has successfully completed our 2012 tourist season. And what a season it has been. There have been highs and lows, lots of successes and some sad and disappointing news. But we wish all our guests and expeditions well and thank our Antarctic staff, aircrew, and those busy people behind the scenes at Punta Arenas and [...]